In brief: Group to sit and standup together while holding on to a close rope.
Intensity: Medium
Prop(s): A piece of long thick rope (at least 11mm in diameter), about 10 meters long for a group of 10.
How to play:
- Tie the 2 ends of the rope together with a secure knot.
- Ask everyone to spread themselves evenly along the outside of the rope, holding it forming a circle.
- Tell them to step backwards while holding on to the rope until the rope is taut.
- Tell them to lean back slowly, pulling on the rope to keep their balance.
- Ask the whole group to sit down slowly while in the leaning position.
Caution:
- Use thick ropes. Thin rope will cut into the hands.
- Players should lean backwards or forwards slowly to counterbalance each other.
Variation(s):
- If you have an even number of players, ask them to count themselves off. After pulling the rope taut, all the even-numbered players will lean forwards while all the odd-numbered players will lean backward. This must be done at the same time. After that the even-numbered players will lean backward and the odd–numbered players lean forward. If the team finds difficulties due to the uneven distribution of weights, ask them to rearrange their members.
Notes to the Facilitator:
- This is a trust-building activity that will work only if every member of the team puts his weight on the rope, be it leaning backwards or forwards. Ask the players to share what they understand by the word ‘trust’ after completing the activity.